The bonuses will be granted as thanks for medics who've worked in an intense capacity for a month now, said the Prime Minister. Extra pay of up to 50% of the monthly wage will be granted under the scheme.
Health Minister Ilze Viņķele said that €8 million has been earmarked to cover bonuses for three months. Medics will be able to cash the money out starting early April.
"It's the last the government can do to give a cordial thanks to our medics," said Viņķele.
Personnel who have participated directly in combating the virus outbreak will receive extra pay for March. This includes front-line medics, epidemiologists at the Disease Prevention and Control Center, and others.
Their pay will increase up to 50% of the monthly wage in March and 20% from April to May.
General physicians' pay will likewise be increased up to 30% in March and 20% in April and May. They have seen workload increase not only in dealing with patients affected by Covid-19 but also in consultations as services have been cut in hospitals bracing for patient influx.
Meanwhile pharmacists dealing with potentially infected people will receive €0.71 per prescription served during the outbreak March 1 through March 31.
